Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

A prize of $7,500 is given annually for a book of fiction or creative nonfiction published during the previous year. The winner also receives a weeklong, all-expenses-paid summer residency at Chautauqua...

Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication by Willow Books are given annually for a poetry collection and a book of fiction or creative nonfiction by writers of color. Using the online submission system,...

Four prizes of $500 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a first novel, a book of fiction, and a book of nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) by an African American writer published in...

A prize of $1,000, publication by Quercus Review Press, and 15 author copies is given twice yearly for a poetry collection. Dana Koster will judge the Fall Poetry Book Award. Submit a manuscript of up to...

A prize of $1,000, publication by Codhill Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Pauline Uchmanowicz will judge. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 70 pages with a $30 entry fee...

A prize of $2,500 and publication of a poem on the Poetry Society of America website is given annually to a poet over 40 who has published no more than one book. Submit two copies of 10 pages of poetry...